As the clock struck 12, 3,000 people celebrated the coming of the new year, and the new beginnings it may bring.

But it wasn't at midnight that this celebration took place. It happened at noon Monday at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

The seven-year tradition of Noon Year's Eve encourages families to bring their young ones out for a midday celebration for all ages.

The event was complete with ice sculptures being freshly carved, a mountain lion watching the festivities from her enclosure, and even a ball to drop as the crowd counted down from 10.

Bob Sinetana of Burton Township came to the zoo with his family and a group of young kids eager to take a break from their hot chocolate to blow through noise makers.

He and his family attend events at the zoo often, though this was the first year he made it to Noon Year's Eve.

Melissa Moore of Parma brought her daughter for the first year, too. Emily, 2, was enjoying Noon Year's Eve by dancing to Radio Disney, which broadcast live from the zoo.

"We were going to come last year but she was too young, so we waited until this year," Moore said. "It was something to do. She doesn't really understand at night, it's late, so it was something to get her excited about."

Colleen Hendershot, a family friend also from Parma, said it was a good way to "tire them out."

As the crowd shouted "3, 2, 1!" confetti cannons blasted white paper through the air, and many attempted to grab it.

One boy caught a piece in his mouth, only to realize it wasn't as easy to get rid of as a snowflake.

Joseph Yachanin, a zoo employee, said the event also serves as a way to let the public know that the zoo is open year-round.

The only two days that it closes are Christmas and New Year's Day, he said.

The size of the crowd for Noon Year's Eve varies from year to year, he said, noting the largest attendance was in 2007, with 10,800 visitors.